My guide to Headingley
THE GROUND
You always know you’ve arrived at Headingley because you’re told you can’t come in and you can’t park there. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
There’s plenty who say, ‘I don’t like Headingley’, but I love it. It’s one of my favourites. Whenever I set foot in the ground I can see Fred Trueman running in down the hill from the Kirkstall Lane End and Geoff Boycott batting — for a long time! It’s absolutely steeped in tradition.
I love the Western Terrace, too. They’ve tried to change it to the White Rose Stand but it’s still the same place. It rivals the Hollies Stand at Edgbaston for atmosphere and outrageous behaviour.
Nice new development at the Rugby Ground End, too, for those who want to go a bit more upmarket. From a selfish point of view we’ve also got a great commentary box here. It’s huge!
THE PEOPLE
YORKSHIRE folk tell it how it is. They won’t go round roundabouts when you can go straight to town. And don’t be surprised if a 17stone bloke calls you love! My good lady Vipers is a Yorkshirewoman, so I’ve got a foot in both Roses camps. I spend so much time in the White Rose county these days that I feel like a local. Almost!
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
JUST outside the ground is a fantastic little cafe called ugly Mugs. It’s a must-visit! You can get a full English and a pint of builder’s tea and still have change from a fiver. You get all sorts in there. Builders, plasterers and lawyers. And they don’t stand on ceremony when they serve you. Don’t expect flowery conversation. It’s just ’ere are.
Back in the day, we’d play a Roses match at Headingley, then head to the Sky Rack up St Michael’s Lane. opposite is the original oak, where we used to have a game of crown green bowls in the yard organised by Jonny Bairstow’s dad David. Boyks didn’t come. He was in the nets!
In Headingley itself, you must go to Brett’s fish and chip shop and have a pint of real ale at the Headingley Tap. Head into the city and look out for the unusually named Scarbrough or the Head of Steam.
For nostalgia, look out for Whitelock’s down a little alleyway. It’s never changed. It’s got polished porcelain green tiles. Lovely. For your curry, go to Nawaab or the Tharavadu. You’re sorted.
AND ANOTHER THING
GROUNDSMAN Andy Foggarty will provide a good pitch here for this third Test but both captains will have to remember the golden rule if they win the toss. More than anywhere else, Headingley is the place where you look up rather than down. When the clouds roll in, the quick bowlers get to work.